The former Beatle was shot and killed by Mark David Chapman outside the Dakota apartment building in New York City, where Lennon and wife Yoko Ono lived. Lennon was rushed to Roosevelt Hospital and was pronounced dead on arrival.

Chapman was taken into custody and ultimately sentenced to life in prison for the crime. Earlier this year, he was denied parole for the sixth time.

Most of America learned of Lennon's death during that evening's Monday Night Football game on ABC. Sportscaster Howard Cosell broke the news near the end of the fourth quarter. Afterwards, an outpouring of grief and condolences came from everywhere.

Ironically, a day before his death, Lennon talked about how much he loved New York City because no one really bothered him. He said, "I can head right out this door and go in a restaurant...or go to the movies. I mean, people come up and ask for autographs but they won't bug you."

A vigil in John Lennon's memory will be held in his hometown of Liverpool, England Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. local time. In addition, thousands are expected to gather at the Strawberry Fields memorial in New York's Central Park, across from the Dakota, to remember Lennon.﻿